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To live; to be alive; to exist
Ich möchte ein langes und glückliches Leben führen.
I want to live a long and happy life.
Viele Tiere leben im Wald.
Many animals live in the forest.
To make a living; to earn a livelihood
Er lebt von seinem Gehalt als Lehrer.
He makes a living from his salary as a teacher.
To experience or go through (a situation or emotion)
Sie lebt eine schwere Zeit durch.
She is going through a difficult time.
Remember that 'leben' is an irregular verb: ich lebe, du lebst, er/sie/es lebt, wir leben, ihr lebt, sie/Sie leben.
Be careful not to confuse the verb 'leben' with the noun 'das Leben' (life).
From Middle High German 'leben', from Old High German 'lebēn', from Proto-Germanic 'libāną'. Related to Old English 'lifian' (to live).
The verb 'leben' is irregular and has a strong conjugation pattern. It is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts.